So far this year, NeighborLink volunteers have completed 19 projects. That number is a far cry from the 80 projects that were completed in 2009. Now, I still have some amazing stories that I could share with you about those 19 projects (and I will), but my point is, there is much work to be done.
I am changing names to protect privacy, but could you.......
*Take Nick's window air conditioner out and put it in the basement?
*Help Mary who is a single mom of four girls repair or replace her roof?
*Help Kate repair a wheelchair ramp for her 18 year old handicapped daughter?
*Replace a water heater for a family of four living on a very tight budget?
*Repair a water pipe and faucet for Missy who is disabled?
*Pick up Kim's daughter from daycare two days this month because she doesn't drive and has no one else to ask?
*Replace some flooring in a trailer for Bob who is disabled?
All of these projects and more are posted on the NeighborLink Porter County website. It takes a lot for some of these people to swallow their pride and call someone for help. I hear the desperation in their voices when they have no where else to turn. I pray with them that the Lord will provide for their needs. NEEDS not wants.
Can you be someone's hope today? If you are unsure of where to start or would like information on how to complete a project, visit our website or call me anytime.
In Him,
Judy Alders
NeighborLinkPC.org
219-617-2077
Are You Someone's Hope?
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Introducing Our New & Improved Website!
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The NeighborLink Network has been working hard for the past several months redeveloping the entire NeighborLink website in order to improve the overall experience of our members.
This is the first major transformation to the NeighborLink website since the website was first launched in 2008. For the past 2 years, the old website has served us well in connecting hundreds of people each year to serve and be blessed by one another. Here are just a few of the new and improved features:
- Easier Project Posting for First-time Users
- Improved Project Posting Navigation
- The Ability to Select and Deselect Projects As a Coach
- More Project Types & Recipient Status Options
- Coaches Can Invite Volunteers From The Website to Join Their Project
- Churches & Groups Can Organize Service Events
- You Can Leave Comments or Ask Questions About Specific Projects
- You Can Now Join Communities That Allow you to Connect With Others On The Site
I encourage you to visit the new website, login using your existing profile information and follow the steps outlined.
We need you to update your profile information in order for the website to work most effectively. Your ability to use the website to it's fullest potential will be dictated by how much information you provide.
There are going to be some bugs to work out and some things that may not work. If you come across any of these, please email us using the Contact Us page on the website.
We hope you like it!
Judy Alders
NeighborLink Porter County
Practical Neighbor-To-Neighbor Expressions of God's Love
219.617.2077
www.neighborlinkpc.org
www.nlnow.blogspot.com
Miracles Do Happen, Even Today!
|If you have ever doubted that God is still performing miracles today, then come work with me for a day! He performed a miracle yesterday and I had a front row seat! Let me explain...
On Monday night at about 8:00pm I received a call from one of our partnering agencies. They told me that they had been working with a single mom with four kids and that she had done everything they had asked of her, including getting a job at a fast food restaurant in order to help support her family in these difficult financial times. Well, on Monday night her car's transmission went out and they had to tow the car to a safer location. They wanted to know if there was anything NLPC could do. I immediately posted something on our NeighborLink Facebook Page.
The next morning I went to a Duneland Chamber Meeting and spoke about this woman and her children. I was directed to go across the street to Tire Experts and ask them if they would be willing to look at the car and tell us what was wrong with it. They were happy to help out, and were so friendly and accommodating! The car was in Valparaiso so I needed to get it up here to Chesterton some how. I drove straight to Joe's Towing Inc. and they volunteered with cheerful hearts to go and bring the car to Chesterton. Wow! Things were coming together nicely. I was praying throughout the day that the problem would be an easy fix.
I soon received a call and the news was not good. The car needed a new transmission and it was going to cost $1150.00 and that was with a discount from our friends over at Tire Experts.
I had been keeping everyone on our Facebook Page up to date on the situation. Our website is currently down because of technical issues related to launching a new website. I had requested that if anyone could contribute ANYTHING to this project, to please contact me.
To my shock and disbelief, a very generous person soon contacted me to let me know that she had a vehicle that she would be willing to donate to this single mom! I couldn't believe what I was reading and the tears began to flow. In case you don't know it, I am a very emotional person! Our GOD who supplies the birds of the air with all they need to survive was now supplying the NEEDS of this single mother! I can't tell you the emotional roller coaster I was on yesterday. But it ended on a HUGE high. I had trouble falling asleep last night because I just kept praising and thanking Jesus for his faithfulness!
I have said it before and I will say it again, " I have the best job in the whole world!" Don't get me wrong, there are difficult days. Especially the calls I receive from those who are desperate and have no where else to turn. They are out of work, they have no money, no food, no shelter, no clothes, no heat, no appliances, no shoes, and the list goes on. But yesterday makes it all worth while.
If you would like to get more involved with NeighborLink and make a difference in someones life right here in Porter County then I invite you to visit our website, or call me to see where you might fit in. I can promise you, you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to all of people who helped us out yesterday!
In Him,
Judy Alders
219-617-2077
New Website!
|There are some great changes coming to our NeighborLink Porter County website. We anticipate that the change will happen mid-week. With that said, it has been my experience that things sometimes don't always go as planned, but we wanted to give you all a heads up. If you experience problems or have questions, please feel free to call me.
The new site is designed to be more socially friendly, meaning that you will be given the opportunity to connect with others who share like experiences with you or like skill levels. This is one reason we are asking that when the new site launches, that you take a minute to re-register on the website. You WILL be able to use your current username and password. However, it is nearly impossible to transfer all of the data and this will allow us to be sure that the data we have is current.
The new site is a work in progress and new changes will be added in the coming months. Again, if you have questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me. We hope to have a video up soon that can walk you through the website.
One other thing we wanted to make you aware of. We are doing a fundraiser to help support the financial needs of NeighborLink. Our board members have been hard at work building Corn Hole Sets to sell just in time for the Holidays. The price per set is $100 for any three colors and $125 for two colors and the logo of your choice. Here is some of their handywork.
Now, I understand that this photo may not represent your team of choice. Of course I can't understand why you wouldn't want Ohio State, but you do have many other choices to choose from. For example, NFL, MLB, College teams, Christian, Entertainment and the list goes on. Just let us know what you would like on your boards and will will have them ready in time for Christmas! Watch for future information about a possible tournament as well! This is great family fun!
As always, thank you for your support of NeighborLink Porter County! None of this would be possible without your support!
In Him,
Judy Alders
Serving Our Neighbors This Month
|This months project was a lot of fun to do with a lot of people and even a few new ones! A family owns this rental property in Valparaiso. There are about 4 units here that could be rented, however there is currently only one tenant. The owner had a stroke a few years ago and he has been unable to maintain the property. NeighborLink was asked to step in to see if we could offer them any assistance. We were afforded a warm day with a shower or two to keep us cool. The project took about 4 hours with some very hard workers! We are grateful to you all! Thank you for your hard work!
If you, your church or youth group would like to give back to the community, we would love the chance to be able to share with you about NeighborLink. Feel free to contact us anytime!
Before
After
In Him,
Larry & Judy Alders
219-617-2077
www.neighborlinkpc.org
Here Is Our Calvary Radio Network Interview
|NeighborLink recently had the opportunity to do a radio interview with the Calvary Radio Network here in Northwest Indiana on 89.9. Judy Puente with the Friends and Neighbors program contacted me and wanted to know a little more about NeighborLink. It was a a lot of fun and took me a little out of my comfort zone!
If you would like to hear the interview and find out a little bit more about NeighborLink and all that it has going on, click on the arrow below. The interview is about 16 minutes long.
In Him,
Larry & Judy
Amazing Volunteers!
|This job never ceases to amaze me! It has been a fun summer of helping people get things done! On July 10th, 21 people including kids, descended upon a small garage in Valparaiso. I received a call from the Code Enforcer (I would not want his job) that there was a family in need. They were facing hefty fines if the necessary repairs were not completed by early July. Thankfully, there was a donation made to cover the cost of the repairs and the garage is now complete!
Yours truly, on the roof!
Where was this awesome guy last summer when we painted a house?
In Him,
Larry & Judy Alders
www.neighborlinkpc.org
